Your pipeline to becoming a CO or FSA
Are you wondering what it’s like to be a corrections officer or forensic security assistant?
MCO can help you on your journey to becoming a CO or FSA. In addition to explaining the state of Michigan application process, we will answer any questions you may have about what to expect on the job and give you tips on how you can thrive in your career.
Path to becoming a CO:
Research the Job and Apply: It’s a good idea to have a cover letter and resume ready to attach. When you're ready, apply here.
Sit Tight During Your Background Check: During periods of rapid hiring, the check may take up to a month to complete. Tip: this would be a good time to get in some last-minute cardio and ask people if they can be a reference.
Nail the Interview and PT Test: MDOC will email you an interview packet and invitation to an interview and physical fitness test, which are typically held on the same day. Shortly after the interview and test, you’ll have to provide three references. Tip: open that spam folder and look around. Sometimes MDOC’s email goes straight to spam because it’s from a sender who’s never contacted you and has many attachments.
Get a Physical: The MDOC works with medical providers around the state and will set up an appointment for your physical. You will also have to pass a drug-screening.
Congratulations, You're Hired! MDOC will notify with the details you need before you report for the training academy. The academy lasts two months, followed by two months of on-the-job (OJT) training inside a correctional facility.
Path to becoming a FSA:
Research the Job and Apply: You must have your official college transcripts (meaning they are stamped or signed by the registrar) ready to upload. It’s a good idea to have a cover letter and resume ready to attach. When you're ready, apply here.
Sit Tight: MDHHS will contact you by phone or email for an interview. This is a good time to make sure you have three references ready to provide at your interview. Tip: open that spam folder and look around. The email may go straight to spam because it’s from a sender who’s never contacted you before.
Nail the Interview and PT Test: At the interview, you’ll be asked to agree to a background check.
You're Conditionally Hired: Check your email again to look for your conditional employment offer. The email will ask you to come in person to pick up a pre-employment packet that includes info on scheduling your physical, TB test, drug screening, and fingerprinting. Tip: Don’t delay, call to schedule your fingerprinting right away. The results could take up to 10 days.
Get a Physical: The MDHHS works with medical providers around the state. Info on how it works was in your conditional employment offer packet. At this point, you also must have fingerprints taken, and get TB and drug tests.
Congratulations, You're Hired! MDHHS will email you (and snail mail you) with details you need and give you a date to report to work at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry.
Not sure? Pick our brain.
We can connect you with a corrections officer or forensic security assistant officer at any point in the application process.